Nueva: A Taste of Peru in New Delhi

August 1, 2018

Contemporary and elegant, everybody’s beloved Virat Kohli’s restaurant is the hot new hangout in town. Cosy corners and intimate bar seating set the tone for a relaxed evening. The lighting is dim and the dominant hue is grey. Nueva, which means “new” is spread over two floors. We went on a Monday night, and an hour into our dinner, some two dozen hip Delhi boys and girls walked in. the music picked up pace, and suddenly, the ambience went from quiet to clubby.

First floor, Nueva

The Drinks: I have no hesitation in using the adjective “outstanding.” Whether it’s the pisco base that does the trick or the bartender’s skills or a cocktail of both; the results are deliciously intoxicating.

The Food: The focus is on Peruvian cuisine, but there are European and Oriental dishes as well. Like the wine list and the liquor options, the food menu is quite l-a-r-g-e, so you’ll spend some feelgood time deciding from among the Ceviches, Sushis, Tea infused Chicken, Peruvian Fishermen’s Soup to heartier fare such as Butter Poached Cod and Lamb Racks with Curried Beans.

Arroz de chaufa

Other than that the tuna was slightly tough and the Malibu-style veggies were a tad too sweet for our taste, everything we tasted was superb. The star item on their menu is the Filo Pizza— an absolutely brilliant idea, equally brilliantly executed. It’s nice to be able to enjoy a good South American ceviche in the heart of the Indian capital, and the asparagus sushi a refreshing delight for vegetarians. Do also order their dimsums and potato wedges topped with cheese; irresistible! The tiramisu could do with some lightening up; I found it a bit too dense, though taste-wise it had the right mocha kick.

Verdict: Go with a friend or your sweetheart, and bond over drinks and delicately flavoured, well-nuanced food. Reserve ahead or be there when the evening is young, so you can pick a corner of your choice and let the pisco-soaked conversation flow!